Raichu (QC 2/2)(GP 2/2)

<p>Raichu may not be the best Pokemon in the VGC metagame, but it's still a Pokemon to consider. This generation, Raichu received a new addition to its arsenal from the Dream World: Lightningrod.This ability grants Raichu an immunity to Electric-type moves, as well as a Special Attack boost when hit by them. Additionally, Raichu still has the tools it has always had: a wide movepool, excellent Speed, and good Special Attack. Lightningrod makes Raichu an excellent choice to use on any rain team, as it can draw away all Electric-type attacks aimed at its Water-type teammates and obtain the aforementioned Special Attack boost.However, Raichu's terrible defenses allow most powerful neutral attacks to strike it down. If it weren't for Lightningrod and Encore, Raichu would be outclassed by other Electric-types such as Zapdos. All in all, Raichu can serve as a useful counter to rain teams, an option to use on your own rain teams, as well as a powerful special attacker on an offensive team.</p>

<p>This set utilizes Raichu's high Special Attack, good Speed, and decent movepool to turn it into a hard-hitting special attacker. Thunderbolt is Raichu's most reliable STAB move, hitting almost every Pokemon that doesn't resist it for good damage. Another option for a STAB move is Discharge; the 30% paralysis chance that Discharge provides can be very helpful. However, as Discharge hits all Pokemon on the field instead of just one, it should only be used if Raichu's teammates are immune to Electric-type attacks. Fake Out is more of a support move, meant to be used on turn one to flinch the opponent; this helps Raichu to break Focus Sashes and take down threats immediately with the combined help of a teammate. Hidden Power Ice hits Dragon-types that resist Raichu's STAB move, such as Latios and Haxorus, for super effective damage; it also provides coverage against Ground-types that threaten Raichu, such as Garchomp. Focus Blast is an alternative coverage move that allows Raichu to hit Rock- and Ice-types such as Tyranitar and Abomasnow for super effective damage. The choice between Hidden Power Ice and Focus Blast depends on the type of Pokemon your team has trouble with. Protect allows Raichu to avoid Fake Out from faster Pokemon on turn one and is also useful for scouting purposes. Encore is also a viable choice for the fourth moveslot, however; it forces a Pokemon into using the move it used last, and is thus useful against Pokemon that set up Trick Room or Tailwind.<p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Focus Sash allows Raichu to survive one attack—providing that it's not a multi-hit one—and strike back with a powerful attack of its own. Life Orb gives Raichu a nice power boost and is certainly a viable option over Focus Sash, seeing as hail and sandstorm, both of which are disastrous for Focus Sash holders, are common in the VGC 2012 metagame. The EV spread used on this set is quite simple; it maximizes Raichu's Special Attack and Speed, allowing it to be as fast and powerful as possible. A Timid nature makes Raichu even faster and allows it to outspeed all Pokemon with base 99 Speed or below, most notably Haxorus and Krookodile. Alternatively, a Modest nature can be used to make Raichu hit even harder. As for teammates, Drizzle Politoed helps Raichu by summoning rain, allowing it to run Thunder without fear of missing. Bulky Water-types, such as Jellicent and Politoed, are both teammates that can help Raichu by baiting Electric-type attacks for it to redirect and absorb. Ludicolo and other Grass-types can quickly dispose of Ground-types that wall Raichu, such as Gastrodon. Pokemon that carry Discharge, such as Zapdos, can give Raichu a free Special Attack boost through Lightningrod as well.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Although being being locked into one attack is unfavorable, Choice Scarf and Choice Specs are also options to consider; a Choice set consisting of Thunderbolt, Focus Blast, Hidden Power Ice, and Grass Knot can be effective. Using Nasty Plot and Agility in conjunction with Focus Sash is somewhat viable, allowing Raichu to obtain a power or Speed boost while surviving an attack, then hit back on the next turn. Since Raichu's Attack stat and physical movepool aren't too shabby, a physical set consisting of Volt Tackle, Return, Iron Tail, and Brick Break is a possibility as well. A SubPunch set with two other physical moves—most notably Volt Tackle and Iron Tail—is another powerful set; however, this is illegal with Lightninrod. A set with Substitute and three attacks can be used to block status, but Raichu isn't drastically affected by any type of status, and status isn't too common anyway. Grass Knot or Hidden Power Grass can be used over Focus Blast or Hidden Power Ice, respectively, to hit Gastrodon hard. Even though it is somewhat of a gimmick, Magnet Rise can also be used to turn Raichu's lone Ground-type weakness into an immunity.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Thanks to its good special bulk, Gastrodon can take any hit Raichu throws at it andand strike back with a super effective Earth Power. However, Gastrodon should be wary of Hidden Power Grass and Grass Knot, asthey do heavy damage; on the other hand, Rindo Berry, which is one of Gastrodon's most commonly held items, solves this problem. Strong, faster Fake Out users such as Weavile can break Raichu's Focus Sash and flinch it on turn one, KOing it the next turn with a powerful STAB attack. Terrakion is also a pretty good check to Raichu; it outspeeds Raichu and OHKOes it with Close Combat. Lanturn is immune to Raichu's STAB thanks to Volt Absorb, resists Hidden Power Ice, takes little damage from Focus Blast, and can hit Raichu hard with a STAB Surf. Tyranitar walls any Raichu that doesn't carry Focus Blast quite well; sandstorm breaks Raichu's Focus Sash and also provides Tyranitar with a Special Defense boost. Similarly, Abamosnow can take down Raichu easily with a powerful STAB move thanks to Snow Warning. Since Garchomp usually carries Yache Berry, it can take any hit from Raichu and KO it with a STAB Earthquake. In general, physical attackers which are faster or bulky enough to take a hit can easily take it down, as Raichu's Defense stat is horrendous.</p>

maybe mention grass knot because after lightning rod boost people like to switch in mons that take thunderbolt like nothing like tyranitar. plus it may have merit for being able to dent/(maybe KO I'm not sure) terrakion

You need to make sure that the partners you talk about and the counters you mention are actually meta Pokemon. Alommola and Krookodile aren't barely a part of the meta and there is no reason to talk about them. Why would you mention Scarf Krookodile over Garchomp which is actually used, faster without a scarf, and hits just as hard.

Looks good, in counters give a mention to Tyranitar and Abomasnow. When you aren't using Focus Blast, both wall you and can KO you with their powerful STAB attacks, as well as nullifying the Focus Sash that Raichu depends on. Even with Focus Blast, between the accuracy and type-resisting berries/sashes, you only KO them rarely.

My friend is telling me that this is too long, but my last two analysis (Medicham and Krookodile) were longer, so checking :3

[Overview]

<p>Raichu may not be the best Pokemon in the VGC 2012 metagame, but it's still a Pokemon to consider. This Generation, with the release of Dream World, Raichu received a new weapon to add to its arsenal in the form of Lightningrod. The Lightningrod ability grants Raichu an immunity to Electric-type moves, as well as a Special Attack boost when hit by them. Additionally, Raichu still has the tools it has always had: a wide movepool, excellent Speed, and good Special Attack. Lightingrod makes Raichu an excellent choice to use on any rain team, as it can draw away all Electric-type attacks aimed at its Water-type teammates and obtain the aforementioned Special Attack boost. Raichu posses fairly average stats: good offensive stats, bad defenses.(You already discussed stats eariler) If it weren't for Lightning Rod Lightingrod and Nasty Plot, Raichu would be outclassed by other Electric-types such as Zapdos. (Nasty Plot isn't on the set, and Thundurus has it as well) All in all, Raichu can serve as a useful counter to rain teams, an option to use on rain teams, and as a powerful special attacker on an offensive team.</p>

<p>This set utilizes Raichu's high Special Attack, good Speed, and decent movepool to turn it into a hard-hitting special attacker. Thunderbolt is Raichu's most reliable STAB move which hits almost every Pokemon that doesn't resist it for good damage. Another option for a STAB move is Discharge; Discharge hits all Pokemon on the field, rather than just one, and as such should only be used if Raichu's teammates are immune to Electric-type attacks. The 30% paralysis chance that Discharge provides can also be very helpful. Fake Out is more of a support move, which is meant to be used on turn one to flinch the opponent: this helps to break Focus Sashes and to take down threats immediately with the combined help of a teammate. Hidden Power Ice hits Dragon-types, such as Latios and Haxorus, that resist Raichu's STAB move, for super effective damage. Hidden Power Ice also provides type coverage against Ground-types that threaten Raichu, such as Garchomp. Focus Blast is an alternative coverage move that allows Raichu to hit Rock- and Ice-types such as Tyranitar and Abamosnow for super effective damage. The choice between Hidden Power Ice or Focus Blast depends on the type of Pokemon your team has trouble with. Protect allows Raichu to avoid Fake Out from faster Pokemon on turn one and is also useful for scouting purposes. Since Encore forces a Pokemon into using the move it used last, it is useful against Pokemon that setup Trick Room or Tailwind.<p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Focus Sash allows Raichu to survive one, non-multi hit,move attack, and hit back with a powerful move attack. Life Orb gives Raichu a nice power boost and is certainly a viable option over Focus Sash, seeing as hail and sandstorm (both of which break Focus Sash at the end of the turn) are common in the VGC 2012 metagame. The EV spread used on this set is quite simple: it maximizes Raichu's Special Attack and Speed, allowing it to be as fast and powerful as possible. A Timid nature is to make Raichu even faster; a Timid nature allows Raichu to outspeed all base 95 to 97 Speed Pokemon, such as Haxorus and Krookodile. A Modest nature is an alternative to Timid that can be used to increase Raichu's Special Attack.</p>

<p>As for teammates, Drizzle Politoed helps Raichu by summoning rain, as rain gives Thunder 100% accuraccy. Bulky Water-types, such as Jellicent and Politoed Suicune, are both teammates that help Raichu receive a Special Attack boost through Lightningrod, as Water-types attract Electric-type attacks. (Already mentioned Politoed) Ludicolo and other Grass-types can quickly dispose of Ground-types that wall Raichu, such as Gastrodon. Pokemon that carry Discharge, such as Zapados, can give Raichu a free Special Attack boost that can be obtained by Lightningrod.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Thunder should be used over Thunderbolt if you're using Raichu on a rain team, as Thunder gets perfect accuracy in rain. Although being forced to use one attack is unfavorable, Choice items, namely Choice Scarf and Choice Specs, are also an option that can be used. A Choice set consisting of Thunderbolt, Focus Blast, Hidden Power Ice, and Grass Knot is an effective option. Nasty Plot and Agility, with Focus Sash as the item, is a usuable set, as Focus Sash allows Raichu to survive one move, obtain a powerSpecial Attack or Speed boost, and hit back on the third turn proceed to start attacking the next turn. Since Raichu's Attack stat and physical movepool aren't too shabby, a physical set, consisting of Volt Tackle, Wild Charge ExtremeSpeed, Iron Tail, and Brick Break, is a possibility. (Two STABs with Recoil make no sense at all, and Raichu gains extremespeed) A SubPunch set, which refers to a set consisting of Substitute, Focus Punch, and two other physical move such as Volt Tackle and Iron Tail, is a powerful set. Though, u Unfortunately, it comes with a huge loss: no Lightningrod. A set with Substitute and three attacks can be used to block status, but Raichu isn't drastically affected by any type of status, nor is status very common. Grass Knot or Hidden Power Grass can be used over Hidden Power Ice or Focus Blast to hit Gastrodon hard. Even though it is somewhat of a gimmick, Magnet Rise can be used to turn Raichu's lone Ground-type weakness into an immunity.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Thanks to its good special bulk, Gastrodon can take any hit Raichu throws at it, and can hit Raichu back with a super effective Earth Power. But,However, Gastrodon should be vary of Hidden Power Grass or Grass Knot, as it does a good amount of damage to Gastrodon, but a Rindo Berry (which is one of Gastrodon's most commonly held items) solves this problem. Strong, faster Fake Out users, such as Weavile, can break Raichu's Focus Sash and flinch it on turn one, KOing it the next turn with a powerful STAB attack. Terrakion is a pretty good check to Raichu; it outspeeds Raichu and OHKO's it with Earthquake or Close Combat. (How Many Terrakion you've seen in VGC 2012 with Earthquake?) Gastrodon is probably Raichu's biggest thread.(Already covered) Lanturn, thanks to Volt Absorb, is immune to Raichu's STAB, resists Hidden Power Ice, take little damage from Focus Blast, and can hit Raichu hard with a STAB Surf. Tyranitar walls any Raichu that doesn't carry Focus Blast quite well; sandstorm helps Tyranitar fare better against Raichu, as it breaks Raichu's Focus Sash and also provides a Special Defense boost. Similarly, Abamosnow can also take down Raichu easily with a powerful STAB move, thanks to Snow Warning. Since Garchomp usually carries Yache Berry, it can take any hit from Raichu and KO it with a STAB Earthquake. In general, faster physical Pokemon or physical Pokemon that can take one hit from Raichu, can easily take it down, as its Defense stat is horrendous.</p>

<p>Raichu may not be the best Pokemon in the VGC metagame, but it's still a Pokemon to consider. This Generation, with the release of Dream World, Raichu received a new weapon to add to its arsenal in the form of Lightningrod. The Lightningrod ability grants Raichu an immunity to Electric-type moves, as well as a Special Attack boost when hit by them. AdditionallyWith the Dream World this generation, Raichu received a new weapon to add to its arsenal in the form of Lightningrod; this makes Raichu an excellent choice to use on any rain team, as it can draw most Electric-type attacks away from its Water-type allies. Furthermore, Raichu still has the tools it has always had: —a wide movepool, excellent Speed, and good Special Attack. Lightingrod makes Raichu an excellent choice to use on any rain team, as it can draw away all Electric-type attacks aimed at its Water-type teammates and obtain the aforementioned Special Attack boost. Raichu possesHowever, Raichu possesses only fairly average stats: —good offensive stats, but bad defenses. If it weren't for Lightningrod and Encore, Raichu would be outclassed by other Electric-types such as Zapdos. All in all, Raichu can serve as a useful counter to rain teams, an option to use on your own rain teams, ands well as a powerful special attacker on an offensive team.</p>

<p>This set utilizes Raichu's high Special Attack, good Speed, and decent movepool to turn it into a hard-hitting special attacker. Thunderbolt is Raichu's most reliable STAB move which hits, hitting almost every Pokemon that doesn't resist it for good damage. Another option for a STAB move is Discharge; Discharge hits all Pokemon on the field, rather than just one, and as suchthe 30% paralysis chance that Discharge provides can be very helpful. However, as Discharge hits all Pokemon on the field instead of just one, it should only be used if Raichu's teammates are immune to Electric-type attacks. The 30% paralysis chance that Discharge provides can also be very helpful. Fake Out is more of a support move, which is meant to be used on turn one to flinch the opponent:; this helps to break Focus Sashes and to take down threats immediately with the combined help of a teammate. Hidden Power Ice hits Dragon-types, such as Latios and Haxorus, that resist Raichu's STAB move, such as Latios and Haxorus, for super effective damage. Hidden Power Ice; it also provides type coverage against Ground-types that threaten Raichu, such as Garchomp. Focus Blast is an alternative coverage move that allows Raichu to hit Rock- and Ice-types such as Tyranitar and Abamoomasnow for super effective damage. The choice between Hidden Power Ice or Focus Blast depends on the type of Pokemon your team has trouble with. Protect allows Raichu to avoid Fake Out from faster Pokemon on turn one and is also useful for scouting purposes. SincBecause Encore forces a Pokemon into using the move it used last, it is useful against Pokemon that setup Trick Room or Tailwind.<p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Focus Sash allows Raichu to survive one, non- attack—providing that it's not a multi-hit, move, and hit one—and strike back with a powerful moveattack of its own. Life Orb gives Raichu a nice power boost and is certainly a viable option over Focus Sash, seeing as hail and sandstorm (, both of which break Focus Sash at the end of the turn)are disastrous for Focus Sash holders, are common in the VGC 2012 metagame. The EV spread used on this set is quite simple:; it maximizes Raichu's Special Attack and Speed, allowing it to be as fast and powerful as possible. A Timid nature is to makes Raichu even faster; A Timid natureit allows Raichu to outspeed all base 95 to 97 Speed Pokemon, such as Haxorus and Krookodile. A Modest nature is an alternate to Timid that can be used to increase Raichu's Special Attack. As for teammates, Drizzle Politoed helps Raichu by summoning rain, as rain gives Thunder 100% accuraccyPokemon with base 99 Speed or below, most notably Haxorus and Krookodile. Alternatively, a Modest nature can be used to make Raichu hit even harder. As for teammates, Drizzle Politoed helps Raichu by summoning rain, allowing it to fire off Thunder attacks without fear of missing. Bulky Water-types, such as Jellicent and Politoed, are both teammates that can help Raichu receive a Special Attack boost through Lightningrod, as Waterby baiting Electric-types attract Electric-type attacksks for it to redirect and absorb. Ludicolo and other Grass-types can quickly dispose of Ground-types that wall Raichu, such as Gastrodon. Pokemon that carry Discharge, such as Zapados, can give Raichu a free Special Attack boost that can be obtained by LightningrodLightningrod boost as well.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Thunder should be used over Thunderbolt if you're using Raichu on a rain team, as Thunder gets perfect accuracy in rain. Although being forced to use one attack is unfavorable, Choice items, namely Choice Scarf and Choice Specs, are also an options that can be used. A Choice set consisting of Thunderbolt, Focus Blast, Hidden Power Ice, and Grass Knot is an effective option. Using Nasty Plot and Agility, in conjunction with Focus Sash as the item, is a usuable set, as Focus Sashis somewhat viable, allowsing Raichu to survive one move, obtain a power or Speed boost, and while surviving an attack, then hit back on the thirdnext turn. Since Raichu's Attack stat and physical movepool aren't too shabby, a Pphysical set, consisting of Volt Tackle, Wild Charge, Iron Tail, and Brick Break, is a possibility as well. A SubPunch set, which refers to a set consisting of Substitute, Focus Punch, andith two other physical move such ass, most notably Volt Tackle and Iron Tail, —is another powerful set. Though, unfortunately, it comes with a huge loss: no; however, this set is illegal with Lightningrod. A set with Substitute and three attacks can be used to block status, but Raichu isn't drastically affected by any type of status, nor is status very commonand status isn't too common anyways. Grass Knot or Hidden Power Grass can be used over Hidden Power Ice or Focus Blast to hit Gastrodon hard. Even though it is somewhat of a gimmick, Magnet Rise can also be used to turn Raichu's lone Ground-type weakness into an immunity.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Thanks to its good special bulk, Gastrodon can take any hit Raichu throws at it, and can hit Raichu back with a super effective Earth Power. ButHowever, Gastrodon should be vwary of Hidden Power Grass or Grass Knot, as it does a good amount of damage to Gastrodon, but a; on the other hand, Rindo Berry (, which is one of Gastrodon's most commonly held item)s, solves this problem. Strong, faster Fake Out users, such as Weavile, can break Raichu's Focus Sash and flinch it on turn one, KOing it the next turn with a powerful STAB attack. Terrakion is also a pretty good check to Raichu; it outspeeds Raichu and OHKO'es it with either Earthquake or Close Combat. Gastrodon is probably Raichu's biggest thread. Lanturn, thanks to Volt Absorb, is immune to Raichu's STAB, resists Hidden Power Ice, takes little damage from Focus Blast, and can hit Raichu hard with a STAB Surf. Tyranitar walls any Raichu that doesn't carry Focus Blast quite well; sandstorm helps Tyranitar fare better against Raichu, as itnot only breaks Raichu's Focus Sash and also provides Tyranitar with a Special Defense boost. Similarly, Abamosnow can also take down Raichu easily with a powerful STAB move, —probably Blizzard—thanks to Snow Warning. Since Garchomp usually carries Yache Berry, it can take any hit from Raichu and KO it with a STAB Earthquake. In general, faster physical Pokemon or physical Pokemon that can take onea hit from Raichu, can easily take it down, as itRaichu's Defense stat is horrendous.</p>

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[Overview]

<p>Raichu may not be the best Pokemon in the VGC metagame, but it's still a Pokemon to consider. With the Dream World this generation, Raichu received a new weapon to add to its arsenal in the form of Lightningrod; this makes Raichu an excellent choice to use on any rain team, as it can draw most Electric-type attacks away from its Water-type allies. Furthermore, Raichu still has the tools it has always had—a wide movepool, excellent Speed, and good Special Attack. However, Raichu possesses only fairly average stats—good offensive stats, but bad defenses. If it weren't for Lightningrod and Encore, Raichu would be outclassed by other Electric-types such as Zapdos. All in all, Raichu can serve as a useful counter to rain teams, an option to use on your own rain teams, as well as a powerful special attacker on an offensive team.</p>

<p>This set utilizes Raichu's high Special Attack, good Speed, and decent movepool to turn it into a hard-hitting special attacker. Thunderbolt is Raichu's most reliable STAB move, hitting almost every Pokemon that doesn't resist it for good damage. Another option for a STAB move is Discharge; the 30% paralysis chance that Discharge provides can be very helpful. However, as Discharge hits all Pokemon on the field instead of just one, it should only be used if Raichu's teammates are immune to Electric-type attacks. Fake Out is more of a support move, meant to be used on turn one to flinch the opponent; this helps to break Focus Sashes and take down threats immediately with the combined help of a teammate. Hidden Power Ice hits Dragon-types that resist Raichu's STAB move, such as Latios and Haxorus, for super effective damage; it also provides type coverage against Ground-types that threaten Raichu, such as Garchomp. Focus Blast is an alternative coverage move that allows Raichu to hit Rock- and Ice-types such as Tyranitar and Abomasnow for super effective damage. The choice between Hidden Power Ice or Focus Blast depends on the type of Pokemon your team has trouble with. Protect allows Raichu to avoid Fake Out from faster Pokemon on turn one and is also useful for scouting purposes. Because Encore forces a Pokemon into using the move it used last, it is useful against Pokemon that set up Trick Room or Tailwind.<p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Focus Sash allows Raichu to survive one attack—providing that it's not a multi-hit one—and strike back with a powerful attack of its own. Life Orb gives Raichu a nice power boost and is certainly a viable option over Focus Sash, seeing as hail and sandstorm, both of which are disastrous for Focus Sash holders, are common in the VGC 2012 metagame. The EV spread used on this set is quite simple; it maximizes Raichu's Special Attack and Speed, allowing it to be as fast and powerful as possible. A Timid nature makes Raichu even faster; it allows Raichu to outspeed all Pokemon with base 99 Speed or below, most notably Haxorus and Krookodile. Alternatively, a Modest nature can be used to make Raichu hit even harder. As for teammates, Drizzle Politoed helps Raichu by summoning rain, allowing it to fire off Thunder attacks without fear of missing. Bulky Water-types, such as Jellicent and Politoed, are both teammates that can help Raichu by baiting Electric-type attacks for it to redirect and absorb. Ludicolo and other Grass-types can quickly dispose of Ground-types that wall Raichu, such as Gastrodon. Pokemon that carry Discharge, such as Zapados, can give Raichu a free Lightningrod boost as well.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Thunder should be used over Thunderbolt if you're using Raichu on a rain team, as Thunder gets perfect accuracy in rain. Although being forced to use one attack is unfavorable, Choice Scarf and Choice Specs are also options that can be used. A Choice set consisting of Thunderbolt, Focus Blast, Hidden Power Ice, and Grass Knot is an effective option. Using Nasty Plot and Agility in conjunction with Focus Sash is somewhat viable, allowing Raichu to obtain a power or Speed boost while surviving an attack, then hit back on the next turn. Since Raichu's Attack stat and physical movepool aren't too shabby, a physical set, consisting of Volt Tackle, Wild Charge, Iron Tail, and Brick Break, is a possibility as well. A SubPunch set with two other physical moves, most notably Volt Tackle and Iron Tail—is another powerful set; however, this set is illegal with Lightninrod. A set with Substitute and three attacks can be used to block status, but Raichu isn't drastically affected by any type of status, and status isn't too common anyways. Grass Knot or Hidden Power Grass can be used over Hidden Power Ice or Focus Blast to hit Gastrodon hard. Even though it is somewhat of a gimmick, Magnet Rise can also be used to turn Raichu's lone Ground-type weakness into an immunity.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Thanks to its good special bulk, Gastrodon can take any hit Raichu throws at it, and can hit Raichu back with a super effective Earth Power. However, Gastrodon should be wary of Hidden Power Grass or Grass Knot, as it does a good amount of damage to Gastrodon; on the other hand, Rindo Berry, which is one of Gastrodon's most commonly held items, solves this problem. Strong, faster Fake Out users, such as Weavile, can break Raichu's Focus Sash and flinch it on turn one, KOing it the next turn with a powerful STAB attack. Terrakion is also a pretty good check to Raichu; it outspeeds Raichu and OHKOes it with either Earthquake or Close Combat. Lanturn, thanks to Volt Absorb, is immune to Raichu's STAB, resists Hidden Power Ice, takes little damage from Focus Blast, and can hit Raichu hard with a STAB Surf. Tyranitar walls any Raichu that doesn't carry Focus Blast quite well; sandstorm not only breaks Raichu's Focus Sash and also provides Tyranitar with a Special Defense boost. Similarly, Abamosnow can take down Raichu easily with a powerful STAB move—probably Blizzard—thanks to Snow Warning. Since Garchomp usually carries Yache Berry, it can take any hit from Raichu and KO it with a STAB Earthquake. In general, faster physical Pokemon or physical Pokemon that can take a hit from Raichu can easily take it down, as Raichu's Defense stat is horrendous.</p>

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EDIT: Just saw TrollFreak's check above... T_T I guess ignore this one, but it'd be good if you looked this one over and implement checks TF might have missed.
EDIT2: Realized that TrollFreak isn't actually an official member. Use this check, then look over TF's to see if I've missed anything, then, please.

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[Overview]

<p>Raichu may not be the best Pokemon in the VGC metagame, but it's still a Pokemon to consider. This generation, with the release of Dream World,Raichu received a new weapon to add to its addition to its arsenal from the Dream World:in the form of Lightningrod. The Lightningrod This ability grants Raichu an immunity to Electric-type moves, as well as a Special Attack boost when hit by them. Additionally, Raichu still has the tools it has always had: a wide movepool, excellent Speed, and good Special Attack. Lightningrod makes Raichu an excellent choice to use on any rain team, as it can draw away all Electric-type attacks aimed at its Water-type teammates and obtain the aforementioned Special Attack boost.However, Raichu's terrible defenses allow most powerful neutral attacks to strike it down. (I felt this is a fairly important point to mention here, so I added it back in)If it weren't for Lightningrod and Encore, Raichu would be outclassed by other Electric-types such as Zapdos. All in all, Raichu can serve as a useful counter to rain teams, an option to use on your own rain teams, as well as a powerful special attacker on an offensive team.</p>

<p>This set utilizes Raichu's high Special Attack, good Speed, and decent movepool to turn it into a hard-hitting special attacker. Thunderbolt is Raichu's most reliable STAB move, hitting almost every Pokemon that doesn't resist it for good damage. Another option for a STAB move is Discharge; the 30% paralysis chance that Discharge provides can be very helpful. However, as Discharge hits all Pokemon on the field instead of just one, it should only be used if Raichu's teammates are immune to Electric-type attacks. Fake Out is more of a support move, meant to be used on turn one to flinch the opponent; this helps Raichu to break Focus Sashes and take down threats immediately with the combined help of a teammate. Hidden Power Ice hits Dragon-types that resist Raichu's STAB move, such as Latios and Haxorus, for super effective damage; it also provides type coverage against Ground-types that threaten Raichu, such as Garchomp. Focus Blast is an alternative coverage move that allows Raichu to hit Rock- and Ice-types such as Tyranitar and Abomasnow for super effective damage. The choice between Hidden Power Ice or and Focus Blast depends on the type of Pokemon your team has trouble with. Protect allows Raichu to avoid Fake Out from faster Pokemon on turn one and is also useful for scouting purposes. Encore is also a viable choice for the fourth moveslot, however; itBecause Encore forces a Pokemon into using the move it used last, it and is thus useful against Pokemon that set up Trick Room or Tailwind.<p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Focus Sash allows Raichu to survive one attack—providing that it's not a multi-hit one—and strike back with a powerful attack of its own. Life Orb gives Raichu a nice power boost and is certainly a viable option over Focus Sash, seeing as hail and sandstorm, both of which are disastrous for Focus Sash holders, are common in the VGC 2012 metagame. The EV spread used on this set is quite simple; it maximizes Raichu's Special Attack and Speed, allowing it to be as fast and powerful as possible. A Timid nature makes Raichu even faster; it allowsRaichu and allows itto outspeed all Pokemon with base 99 Speed or below, most notably Haxorus and Krookodile. Alternatively, a Modest nature can be used to make Raichu hit even harder. As for teammates, Drizzle Politoed helps Raichu by summoning rain, allowing it to fire off run Thunder attacks without fear of missing. Bulky Water-types, such as Jellicent and Politoed, are both teammates that can help Raichu by baiting Electric-type attacks for it to redirect and absorb. Ludicolo and other Grass-types can quickly dispose of Ground-types that wall Raichu, such as Gastrodon. Pokemon that carry Discharge, such as Zapdos, can give Raichu a free Special Attack boost through Lightningrod boost as well.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Thunder should be used over Thunderbolt if you're using Raichu on a rain team, as Thunder gets perfect accuracy in rain. (you already mentioned Thunder in AC)Although being forced to use being locked into one attack is unfavorable, Choice Scarf and Choice Specs are also options to consider; that can be used.a Choice set consisting of Thunderbolt, Focus Blast, Hidden Power Ice, and Grass Knot is an can be effective option. Using Nasty Plot and Agility in conjunction with Focus Sash is somewhat viable, allowing Raichu to obtain a power or Speed boost while surviving an attack, then hit back on the next turn. Since Raichu's Attack stat and physical movepool aren't too shabby, a physical set, consisting of Volt Tackle, Return, Iron Tail, and Brick Break, is a possibility as well. A SubPunch set with two other physical moves—(em dash)most notably Volt Tackle and Iron Tail—is another powerful set; however, this set is illegal with Lightninrod. A set with Substitute and three attacks can be used to block status, but Raichu isn't drastically affected by any type of status, and status isn't too common anyway. Grass Knot or Hidden Power Grass can be used over Hidden Power Ice or Focus Blast or Hidden Power Ice, respectively, to hit Gastrodon hard. Even though it is somewhat of a gimmick, Magnet Rise can also be used to turn Raichu's lone Ground-type weakness into an immunity.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Thanks to its good special bulk, Gastrodon can take any hit Raichu throws at it, and can hit Raichu and strike back with a super effective Earth Power. However, Gastrodon should be wary of Hidden Power Grass or and Grass Knot (Gastrodon is wary of both attacks - they can't be run on the same set, but ''and'' is correct here), as it doesa good amount of they do heavy damage to Gastrodon; on the other hand, Rindo Berry, which is one of Gastrodon's most commonly held items, solves this problem. Strong, faster Fake Out users, such as Weavile, can break Raichu's Focus Sash and flinch it on turn one, KOing it the next turn with a powerful STAB attack. Terrakion is also a pretty good check to Raichu; it outspeeds Raichu and OHKOes it with Close Combat. Lanturn, thanks to Volt Absorb, is immune to Raichu's STAB thanks to Volt Absorb, resists Hidden Power Ice, takes little damage from Focus Blast, and can hit Raichu hard with a STAB Surf. Tyranitar walls any Raichu that doesn't carry Focus Blast quite well; sandstorm not only breaks Raichu's Focus Sash and also provides Tyranitar with a Special Defense boost. Similarly, Abamosnow can take down Raichu easily with a powerful STAB move—probably Blizzard—thanks to Snow Warning. Since Garchomp usually carries Yache Berry, it can take any hit from Raichu and KO it with a STAB Earthquake. In general, faster physical Pokemon or physical Pokemon that can take a hit from Raichu physical attackers which are faster or bulky enough to take a hitcan easily take it down, as Raichu's Defense stat is horrendous.</p>